Chapter 1 Summary

In May 1931, the political situation in Baskul worsens. The British Air Force evacuates white residents to Peshawar. The Maharajah of Chandapore loans his private aircraft to evacuate four people: Roberta Brinklow of the Eastern Mission; Henry D. Barnard, an American; Hugh Conway, H.M. Consul; and Captain Charles Mallinson, H.M. Vice-Consul.

Conway is 37 years old and has served ten years in consulate service, the last two years in Baskul. Baskul is not considered a very good post in consulate service, but Conway prefers adventure to plum posts. Mallinson is in his middle-twenties and stationed in Baskul because he failed his examinations.

Miss Brinklow is a missionary with the L.M.S. or London Missionary Service. She is not pretty or young, but she is a strong and healthy woman. Bernard has "something to do with oil." Nobody knows much about him. He...